Benjamin Netanyahu Photo: Amir Cohen/Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the ceasefire adopted by the government is a temporary measure, emphasising: “We reserve the right to return to war,” Ynetnews reports.
Netanyahu noted that both current US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump assured him of Israel’s support in the event of renewed hostilities if negotiations on the second phase of the agreement with Hamas prove fruitless.
The goals of the war remain unchanged
The Prime Minister stressed that the key task remains to ensure Israel’s security and the release of all hostages. “The Gaza Strip must no longer pose a threat to Israel. This is one of our strategic goals,” Netanyahu said.
After the government and the Security Council approved the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement, Netanyahu stressed that the deal was in the country’s long-term strategic interests.
“The sacred mission of freeing the hostages has always been my priority,” he added, stressing that achieving the military and security objectives of the conflict remained the government’s primary concern.
Deal terms and security enhancements
Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will expand its presence in the Philadelphia corridor on the southern border of Gaza, despite opposing claims.
He also said that Palestinian prisoners released as part of the deal would be deported from Israel.
To prevent possible unrest following the release of prisoners in the West Bank, Netanyahu announced the additional deployment of Israeli forces to ensure stability and security.
